Yes, British people typically say "maths," while Americans say "math." This difference stems from how the word "mathematics" is treated grammatically.
Why the Difference? "Maths" vs. "Math"
- British English: Treats "mathematics" as a plural noun, reflecting the various branches within the subject (algebra, geometry, calculus, etc.). Therefore, the abbreviation "maths" follows suit.
- American English: Treats "mathematics" as a collective noun, similar to "economics" (abbreviated as "econ"). Hence, the abbreviation "math" is used.
The historical origins of the word "mathematics" from the Latin "mathematica" (which has a plural form) have been cited as a contributing factor to the British usage of "maths". However, there's no definitive explanation for the divergence in usage between American and British English. Both are simply accepted abbreviations, and both are grammatically correct within their respective dialects.
Examples:
- British English: "I'm struggling with my maths homework."
- American English: "I aced my math test."
The difference is purely a matter of convention and regional variation within the English language. There is no inherent right or wrong answer.
